Meet The Care Team
Meet Dr. Maggie
Dr. Margaret (Maggie) MacDonald was born in Dallas, Texas. Caring for and loving animals comes naturally to her; as her father was also a veterinarian. His house call practice took him to the homes of his clients with little Maggie in tow. She remembers from about 3 years on, going to “work” with her Papa. He never hesitated putting her to “work”, even having her hold tight to surgical instruments during surgery! At home there was always a wide variety of animals to love and care for as well, from the traditional dogs and cats to squirrels, donkeys, and the occasional injured armadillo.
As a young college graduate she spent time as a hiking guide in Alaska, but then returned home to prepare for the job she loved. She graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. After graduation, she moved off to explore New England and began her career in private practice.
In 2008, Dr. Maggie was practicing in Boston and her sweet, elderly dog and companion of 15 years, Sam, was suffering. She wanted his passing to be comfortable, peaceful and with family. She realized that she was lucky. She could offer this to her pet, but what about other pet owners who loved their pets as much as she loved Sam, but could not provide this final gift? It was in that moment, that she realized that she could provide the gift of a loving passing for a beloved pet to other owners, and so she began to offer in-home euthanasia.
After too many long, cold winters away from her family, Dr. Maggie returned to her home state of Texas in 2010, settling in Austin. Since returning, she has worked as a surgeon for local non-profits and shelters and offered in-home euthanasia in her spare time. In 2015, Dr. Maggie formed her own business that is for the exclusive purpose of providing pet owners the option of in-home euthanasia.
Dr. Maggie was honored with the Award of Excellence in Recognition of Outstanding Veterinary Service by the Morris Animal Foundation.
Dr. Maggie is featured in the children’s book, ‘Yesterday Was Weird’. A story, told from a dog’s point of view, of growing old and being provided in-home euthanasia.
Professional Associations
Meet Dr. Brieana
Dr. Brieana Tunison’s love for animals began at a very young age when she announced her dream to one day become a “veter-naren.”
She began working in veterinary medicine as a teenager, first as a kennel helper and later as a veterinary technician. Her dedication to animal care carried her through her studies, graduating from Tarleton State University followed by her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Brieana lives with her two cats, Willy and Cricket, Gracie, her beloved horse, and a small group of outdoor feral cats. She often jokes that Willy and Gracie share a single brain cell they pass back and forth. Her son lives nearby with the “family dog,” Kira, a sweet pittie who brings joy to everyone she meets. Dr. Brieana embraces life spending time with loved ones, riding horses and motorcycles, traveling, hiking, kayaking, gardening, and soaking in the beauty of the outdoors.
Over the years, she has worked in many areas of veterinary medicine, from the fast-paced environment of 24-hour emergency and ICU hospitals, to working with specialists, to serving families in general practice. However, it was as a house-call veterinarian and experiencing the profound loss of her “heart dog” Maya, where she found her true calling of helping families say goodbye to their beloved pets in the comfort of their home. She feels deeply the honor of being able to offer families the gift of a peaceful, loving farewell for their cherished companions.
“I first met Dr. Brieana on a veterinary educational trip in Costa Rica. We learned that we both lived and practiced in Austin. We discovered that we not only share a love of travel but also of providing compassionate end-of-life care for pets and their caregivers. Dr. Brieana is an excellent clinician who stays current with the cutting edge of veterinary medicine. I couldn’t wait for Dr. Brieana to join Compassionate Pet Vet’s Care Team.” – Dr. Maggie
Meet Dr. Liz
Like most veterinarians, Dr. Elizabeth Fraser’s (Liz) love for animals started at a young age. While growing up as a navy kid in California Dr. Liz was surrounded by dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses. During her teenage years the family moved to Texas, and here is where she stayed.
Dr. Liz earned her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University (WHOOP!), while working many jobs involving the care of multiple species, creating memories she will forever cherish. Dr Liz attended St. Matthews University immediately following graduation from A&M and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Her initial plans were to be a zoo veterinarian, then she ‘zigged’ to farm animal, and then ‘zagged’ to end up as a small animal veterinarian in Austin, Texas. It was karma, she was back to her roots with dogs, cats, and guinea pigs.
Dr. Liz is married and a mom with two boys: rounding out her family with two dogs and a cat. As a family they love running, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and swimming, taking full advantage of the incredible trails, creeks, and lakes found in the Austin area.
Over the years of her career she grew to love the experience of shepherding pets and their families through hospice and end-of-life care. She decided it was her calling and has focused on this for the last 4 years. Dr. Liz feels honored to help families, and their beloved pets, experience a peaceful and dignified final moment together.
“Dr. Liz’s reputation as an excellent in-home veterinary provider focused on end-of-life care preceded my meeting her. I feel unbelievably fortunate that she was able to join our team in 2025. Dr. Liz is a warm and kind person, with a calming presence that is greatly appreciated. Our clients are so pleased with her care and compassion, just as I knew they would be.” – Dr. Maggie
Meet Glynis
When it became necessary to bring additional help to Dr. Maggie’s team, she was very conscious of the importance of the role of Care Coordinator. It was essential that this person would be an animal lover, compassionate, empathetic, and someone who absolutely understood what a difficult decision was being made by our clients. After much thought, there was only one possible answer, a person that she had known all her life: her sister.
Glynis (pronounced Glennis) MacDonald joined our Care Team in January 2018 as our first Care Coordinator. She developed this role into one of compassion and helpful assistance for our clients. She is committed to making this difficult time as smooth as possible for you and your loved one.
“I could not be happier than to have my sister as a part of our team. Hers is usually the first voice you hear when contacting us. Glynis is a loving and compassionate person and these qualities are evident as she assists you during this difficult time.” – Dr. Maggie
Meet Gatlin
“I feel so fortunate that my nephew, Gatlin, has joined our team. Gatlin is a kind, compassionate and responsible person who will help fulfill our mission to treat each pet who crosses our path with respect and dignity.” – Dr. Maggie
